July 29^th is International Tiger Day. This day of celebration was created in 2010 to raise awareness of one of the largest cats on the planet. As these big cats have slipped onto the endangered species list, zoologists all over the world are working tirelessly to save them. Days like these help all of us to learn about these great tigers.

A tiger, on average, probably weighs more than everyone in your immediate family combined. The tiger tips the scales at over 600 pounds, and measures over 10 feet (3 meters) long. I would bet that if you had your little artist sit on your shoulders, a tiger would still be taller standing on its hind feet. While we are talking big cats, let’s use our little hands to make our own tigers.

Our first tiger craft finds us painting our tigers their most popular color, orange. Let’s gather up our sponge painting supplies and get started.

Tiger Painting

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Supplies:

1. Tiger pattern
2. Sponge
3. Orange paint
4. Small dish

Directions:

1. Print off tiger pattern.
2. Pour small amount of paint onto dish.
3. Use sponge to paint tiger.

Let’s share the love by making and giving away these ‘huggable’ tiger cards. Your little artist will refine his or her small motor skills while making this next project.

 Huggable Tiger

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Supplies:

1. Copy of tiger
2. Construction paper
3. Scissors
4. Glue stick
5. Crayons or Markers

Directions:

1. Print copy of tiger onto construction paper.
2. Cut out and glue together.
3. Select “huggable” item.
4. Color and cut out item. (We used a heart.)
5. Glue item onto tiger.
6. Fold arms over item.

Options: You may use this for a gift card, money, or candy holder.

In our final project today, we are going to look like tigers! Not all Bengal tigers are orange; some are white. In this last project we are making a white tiger head band.

White Tiger

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Supplies:

1. Copy of tiger parts
2. Scissors or Safety scissors
3. Glue stick

Directions:

1. Print copy of tiger.
2. Cut apart.
3. Glue strips end to end and fit to child’s head.
4. Fold ears in half and glue into place.
5. Glue ears onto crown.

Now that your little artists look like tigers, have them pretend to be one. Ask each one, “What is your tiger’s name?” Make sure to let them know, “You’re so creative!”